Henrietta Lacks cells

Lacks family via the Henrietta Lacks Foundation / Associated Press

A 1951 cervical tissue sample taken from Henrietta Lacks, shown here in a 1940s photo, became the first human immortal cell line -- and the one most widely used today. Now, the NIH has come to an agreement that allows for continued medical research while seeking to protect the family's privacy.

A 1951 cervical tissue sample taken from Henrietta Lacks, shown here in a 1940s photo, became the first human immortal cell line -- and the one most widely used today. Now, the NIH has come to an agreement that allows for continued medical research while seeking to protect the family's privacy. (Lacks family via the Henrietta Lacks Foundation / Associated Press)

A 1951 cervical tissue sample taken from Henrietta Lacks, shown here in a 1940s photo, became the first human immortal cell line -- and the one most widely used today. Now, the NIH has come to an agreement that allows for continued medical research while seeking to protect the family's privacy.